Mercedes breaks 'gentleman's agreement' - report

Belgium - A spat has reportedly broken out behind the scenes between title protagonists Mercedes and Ferrari.

Auto Bild reports that Mercedes surprised its Italian rival by launching a new engine specification at Spa Francorchamps.

0.9-litre rule

The controversy surrounds the recent 'oil in fuel' saga, with the FIA having declared that as of the next race at Monza, every engine can only consume a maximum of 0.9 litres.

But Mercedes, Ferrari and the other engine manufacturers had reportedly entered into a 'gentleman's agreement' that any upgrade released before Monza would comply with the new 0.9 litre rule.

However, it emerges that Mercedes' brand new engine at Spa was in fact upgraded according to the existing rules allowing 1.2 litres of oil consumption -- therefore breaking the 'gentleman's agreement'.

"Ferrari asked before Spa if any teams were planning new engines, but the answer was no," reported Germany's Sport Bild.

Auto Bild said the FIA has confirmed that Mercedes did not breach any official rule.

The latest move came in July, when the FIA informed teams that any new engine introduced from the Italian GP would be allowed a maximum consumption of 0.9 litres of oil per 100km.

However, engines brought in before then would be allowed to use up to 1.2 litres per 100km, handing an advantage to anyone able to get engines ready before Italy.

Mercedes duly introduced its fourth and final power unit of the campaign in Belgium, prompting intrigue about whether or not the timing was related to the Monza oil burn limit.

It is understood that Ferrari in particular was not happy with the situation, because it had been under the impression Mercedes would not introduce a new engine in Belgium, so was caught by surprise.

"Suggestions that there had been some form of gentleman's agreement between Mercedes and Ferrari not to introduce an engine in Belgium are understood to have been wide of the mark, however, with sources at both outfits confirming that there had been no discussion between the teams about the matter."

The latest move came in July, when the FIA informed teams that any new engine introduced from the Italian GP would be allowed a maximum consumption of 0.9 litres of oil per 100km.

However, engines brought in before then would be allowed to use up to 1.2 litres per 100km, handing an advantage to anyone able to get engines ready before Italy.

Mercedes duly introduced its fourth and final power unit of the campaign in Belgium, prompting intrigue about whether or not the timing was related to the Monza oil burn limit.

It is understood that Ferrari in particular was not happy with the situation, because it had been under the impression Mercedes would not introduce a new engine in Belgium, so was caught by surprise.

"Suggestions that there had been some form of gentleman's agreement between Mercedes and Ferrari not to introduce an engine in Belgium are understood to have been wide of the mark, however, with sources at both outfits confirming that there had been no discussion between the teams about the matter."

so in other words Mercedes "cheated" again and as a consequence NOT only caught us on teh backfoot sort of speak but now they have an advantage over us NO MATTER how good our 4th engine is when it's gonna be introduces in Monza

all we can hope for now is that OUR 4th engine will be better and more powerful so that we get to see Toto bang that desk at every race from now till the end.....ha, ha...

so in other words Mercedes "cheated" again and as a consequence NOT only caught us on teh backfoot sort of speak but now they have an advantage over us NO MATTER how good our 4th engine is when it's gonna be introduces in Monza

all we can hope for now is that OUR 4th engine will be better and more powerful so that we get to see Toto bang that desk at every race from now till the end.....ha, ha...

So there is now 2 rules for engines and the oil they can use? Not one normally to laugh at the FIA but how can this be fair?

All engines from Monza use 0.9l of oil surely makes sense?

i'm with ya Greig.....so now Ferrari has been cought with it's pants down sort of speak....and our new engine that is being introduced in Monza (per new rules) can ONLY use 0.9l of oil per 100kg of fuel....whereas Mercedes taht introduced their engine pre Monza can use 1.9l of oil for the reast of that season????

way to go FIA.....again proven useless

...the new SF70H looks amazing. Let's hope it's gonna be as FAST as it looks.